A National Day of Drinking, Plus a Chili Showdown at Sharky's

There is one holiday that make us so giddy that it's hard for us to get any sleep the night before, and it doesn't involve a fat man in a red suit getting stuck in the chimney. Today is National Drink Wine Day, the one day we can actually claim that drinking wine is a directive, though we're not sure who issued the order. Observe this most sacred holiday at Mignon (4005 Preston Road, Plano) tonight from 5 to 7 p.m. The restaurant is offering $2 off any glass of wine, so you can afford to drink your favorite red and sample a white you've never tried. Just don't get carried away and celebrate with a whole bottle.

It's time to pull out those Crock-Pots again to compete for the title of champion chili cook, and the competition is going to have to impress the hungry public and judges to win the 9th Annual Sharky's Chili Cookoff. Bring your appetite to Sharky's Bar & Grill (17453 Preston Road) this Sunday at 2 p.m. because 30 participants will be serving up spicy, mild and hopefully all beanless versions of the Texas favorite. The Observer's very own Hanna Raskin will be one of the judges, though you won't get a chance to meet her because she'll be voting in a secret underground cave. For real. The event benefits The Jim Utley Foundation, a nonprofit organization that promotes awareness of drug abuse amongst teenagers and encourages teens to remain drug-free. With 30 different chili recipes to try, you might seriously consider fasting tomorrow.